kitchen system

I've got a space case lying around (micro) and I've been wondering what to do with it and tonight I had the idea that I might want a computer for my kitchen. it would store recipes, possibly track food. If I were really clever I could hook up all sorts of neat gadgets like a scale and a thermometer for the stove or fridge. Basically the options are endless 9as is the work needed to implement them, but I have to do something with my spare time). I'm also thinking of using LTSP or some similar setup, so I don't have to actually worry about maintaining that machine's hardware or do any grunt work while hunched over the kitchen counter (also, any hardware in a kitchen machine is a waste if you don't really need it).

So that's my plan. What advice do you brilliant people have for implementing it?